HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation Review: An Entry-Level Mobile Workstation Designed for Modern Work

HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation Review

This is my first AI PC. HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation It is large and impressive in its nearly maxed out configuration. Like more HP computers, the ZBook Firefly 16 G11 comes in a variety of configurations with lesser memory, slow CPUs, lower resolution displays and smaller storage. In an AI PC, one with dual GPUs, one built into the Intel Ultra CPU and the other from NVIDIA, this workstation deserves to be purchased with its fullest potential in mind. I don’t know why HP continues to sell devices with high-end aspirations but with hardware options that hobble them.

While the near-maxed-out configuration doesn’t meet the specifications of the most powerful AI PCs, it does cram those features into a relatively mobile platform. HP doesn’t see the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation as the answer to all needs, targeting it at middling content creation. It is better than that, especially compared to last year’s models that don’t sport a dual GPU configuration with neural processors for AI workloads. Adobe Creative Suite owners should find a configuration that exceeds pre-Ultra expectations.

But even with the latest Intel chips, AMD and Apple offer as good or better performance in other devices at competitive prices. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is not only competitive in this performance range, but it can also be configured with Ultra 9 processors and higher-performance GPUs.

With the advent of the AI PC (or, as Microsoft calls them, Copilot + PC. I don’t look for that marketing campaign to run for very long), the baseline PC has changed. Regardless of the core chip coming from AMD, Intel, or Qualcomm, any computer that has neural processing and/or advanced GPU is different from its predecessors. That’s why Apple moved so quickly to kill Intel-based models. They looked archaic next to even the first-generation M1 chips.

This means we must recalibrate review criteria because regular laptops, even high-performance ones, look significantly underpowered compared to the new generation of PCs. Along with my snide remark on Microsoft’s Copilot + PC, the idea touted by that campaign that not everyone needs an AI PC is just wrong and insulting. As soon as developers have next-generation architectures, software will find a way to expect it.

This means we must recalibrate review criteria because regular laptops, even high-performance ones, look significantly underpowered compared to the new generation of PCs. Along with my snide remark on Microsoft’s Copilot + PC, the idea touted by that campaign that not everyone needs an AI PC is just wrong and insulting. As soon as developers have next-generation architectures, software will find a way to expect it.

HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Specifications

Feature	Max Config	As Reviewed
CPU	Intel® Core™ Ultra 7-165H vPro® (3.8 GHz, up to 5.0 GHz, 24 MB cache, 16 core)	Intel® Core™ Ultra 7-165H vPro® (3.8 GHz, up to 5.0 GHz, 24 MB cache, 16 core)
GPU	NVIDIA RTX™ A500 Graphics	NVIDIA RTX™ A500 Graphics
Display	16″ diagonal OLED+LBL UWVA BrightView 2.8K for IR Webcam 48H-120Hz (VRR) (2880×1800)(400 Nits)	16″ diagonal OLED+LBL UWVA BrightView 2.8K for IR Webcam 48H-120Hz (VRR) (2880×1800)(400 Nits)
Webcam	Dual Array Microphone Infrared (IR) Camera	Dual Array Microphone Infrared (IR) Camera
Memory	64 GB (2×32 GB) DDR5 5600 SODIMM Memory	32 GB DDR5 5600 SODIMM Memory
Internal Storage (upgradable)	2 TB PCIe-4×4 2280 NVMe TLC SSD	2 TB PCIe-4×4 2280 NVMe TLC SSD
Keyboard	Clickpad Backlit with numeric keypad spill-resistant Premium Privacy Keyboard	Clickpad Backlit with numeric keypad spill-resistant Premium Keyboard
Audio	Audio by Poly Studio, dual stereo speakers, HP World Facing Microphone dual array digital microphones, functions keys for volume up and down, combo microphone/headphone jack, HD audio	Audio by Poly Studio, dual stereo speakers, HP World Facing Microphone dual array digital microphones, functions keys for volume up and down, combo microphone/headphone jack, HD audio
Wireless	Intel® AX211 Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® 5.3, vPro	Intel® AX211 Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® 5.3, vPro
Broadband	HP 5000 5G Solution WWAN Broadband Wireless	None
Battery (Supports battery fast charge: approximately 50% in 30 minutes)	Long Life 76Whr Fast Charge 6 cell Battery	BX Long Life 56Whr Fast Charge 3 cell Battery
SmartCard Reader	Active SmartCard	None

HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11: Other details

• One-year (1/1/0) limited warranty
• Intel® Evo™ verified design (as reviewed)
• Dimensions (W X D X H) 14.12 x 9.89 x 0.76 in
• Weight: Starts at 3.88 lbs

What we like

Pros

• Solid Performance
• Stunning Display
• Great build quality with an aluminum chassis
• Long battery life
• Ample connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports
• Upgradeable RAM and storage
• Strong sustainability credentials

The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 delivers impressive performance thanks to its latest Intel Core processors and NVIDIA RTX GPUs, making it suitable for demanding professional tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and software development. I loaded GPT4All on the Firefly and indexed several PDFs (which took considerable time for embedding). While the responses do not arrive as quickly as from commercial AIs, they are entirely private. Lesser machines would not be able to run GPT4All. ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is a suitable entry-level device for personal AI experimentation.

The review unit arrived with a beautiful 16-inch OLED 2.8K display with a resolution of 2880×1800 and a 120Hz refresh rate that covers 100% of the DCI-P3. While that is a step up, it isn’t close to the amazing display on the 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch, which ships with a 3456-by-2234 display;

The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is designed for durability and a professional aesthetic, featuring a robust aluminum chassis. At just 3.88 pounds, the ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is one of the lighter mobile workstations on the market. The aluminum build ensures the laptop remains lightweight without compromising structural integrity.

The laptop is well-equipped with connectivity features, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports ensure lightning-fast data transfers and support for multiple external displays, making it versatile for diverse professional applications. With a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and HDMI, the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 offers flexible connectivity options. However, some configurations may have a limited selection of ports.

The ZBook Firefly 16 G11 comes with 32GB of DDR5-5600 SODIMM RAM, distributed across two slots, and can be upgraded to 64GB for users who need more power. Its 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD offers fast read/write speeds, though users can replace the single M.2 slot with a larger drive if needed, adding flexibility for those who require additional storage.

Sustainability design elements include EPEAT® Gold device registration, ocean-bound plastic in speaker enclosure, 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, External power supply 90% efficiency, Low Halogen; Bulk packaging available; Molded paper pulp cushion inside box is 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable; Outside box and corrugated cushions are 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable.

What could be improved

Cons

• Mediocre GPU performance with NVIDIA RTX A500
• Wide keyboard and touchpad placement
• Limited color gamut coverage
• Single M.2 slot for storage
• No built-in SD card reader
• High price point relative to performance

The NVIDIA RTX A500 GPU in the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 provides baseline performance, suitable for tasks like video playback, basic rendering, and light graphical workloads. However, its performance is comparable to older mid-range GPUs such as the RTX 3050. For professionals working with advanced 3D modeling, heavy video editing, or complex simulations, the A500 may fall short, limiting the device’s appeal for graphics-intensive tasks.

The backlit spill-resistant keyboard with a numeric keypad provides a relatively ergonomic typing experience, but I found it too wide and the palm rest area to large. While the click pad is responsive and offers a clean design and is free of extraneous buttons, I don’t like the pad’s slightly off-center orientation. The Firefly’s intuitive navigation and gestures, however, are appreciated.

Lower-price versions of the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 come with a 1920 x 1200 pixels display. While adequate for office work, it is not ideal for creators. Relatively low nits mean the displays will not work well outside in bright sunlight.

Analysis of the 1920 x 1200 display by Laptop Media reveals that it covers only 52% of the sRGB and 41% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts. This restricted color accuracy makes it unsuitable for color-critical work like professional photo editing or design, where true-to-life hues are essential.

While the 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD provides ample and fast storage, a single M.2 slot limits internal expansion options, and professionals who require more space will need to rely on external storage. The M.2 slot, however, is accessible so owners can increase internal storage with some effort and cost, up to the limits of M.2 storage cards.

The absence of a built-in SD card reader is a significant drawback for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals who often rely on SD cards for transferring media. While external readers can serve as a workaround, their reliance on additional peripherals may reduce convenience and portability for users who desire an all-in-one solution.

With a starting price of around $2,300 and better-configured units running well at over $5K, the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is a substantial investment. Some competing workstations in the same price range often deliver better performance and versatility, making the Firefly’s value proposition less compelling. But let’s be real. Except for entry-level models, no one who shops well will pay full price for an HP PC. At the time of this writing, the highest-end stock configuration, listed for $5.655, was on sale for $2,199, less than the entry-level model. Don’t run from a device you like because of price. Price is a marketing tool. Look for opportunities to upscale features and pay less.

HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation: The bottom line

The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 offers a durable build, slee input features, and good battery life, making it suitable for general business use. However, its GPU performance and display quality may not satisfy professionals who demand graphics or color accuracy requirements. The lack of features like an SD card reader and limited display resolution options may impact its versatility, leading buyers to look at other workstation-class devices. Potential buyers should carefully assess whether Firefly’ 16’s features align with their needs.

HP provided the ZBook Firefly 16 G11 Mobile Workstation for review. Images courtesy of HP unless otherwise noted.

Serious Insights is an Amazon Affiliate. Clicking on an Amazon link may result in a payment to Serious Insights.

For more serious insights on hardware and accessories, click here.